This cactus is also commonly known by its old scientific name Horridocactus heinrichianus; it assumes rather variable shapes and dispositions, becoming thorny or, at times, completely devoid of thorns. Usually it is born in nature in the middle of very rocky soils, even sometimes directly remains buried in the ground and emerge only its large funnel-shaped flowers of a delicate yellow-cream color. The plant, globose and depressed at the apex, has ribs similar to tubercles, equipped with long dark spines and facing upwards. The epidermis assumes a typical purple or brown color, which gives rise to a strong and pleasant contrast with the white woolly areolas.